Dec. 15, 2025
With our commencement ceremonies set for Friday, Dec. 19, we’re highlighting a few of the incredible students who will soon be alumni of the College of Health Sciences.
Read on to learn more about Brendan Funesti of Kansas City, Missouri, who is completing a Master of Health Administration.
Brendan Funesti
Degree: Master of Health Administration
Hometown: Kansas City, Missouri
Favorite quote:
“Worrying is like paying a debt that you do not owe.”
— Mark Twain
An interesting fact about you (that people might not know):
I learned how to sail at a young age, thanks to my dad.
What does graduating from the Mizzou College of Health Sciences mean to you?
Graduating from the Mizzou College of Health Sciences means achieving a milestone I’ve worked toward for years — not just academically, but personally and professionally. It represents growth, resilience and the foundation that will carry me into a leadership career in healthcare.
It means stepping into the field with the knowledge, values and experiences that Mizzou has given me — experiences that shaped how I think about patients, teams and the future of health systems. It also means honoring the people who invested in me: mentors who pushed me, classmates who supported me and my family who believed in every step of this journey.
Most of all, it means entering the next chapter — my executive residency and beyond — with confidence, purpose and a commitment to becoming the kind of healthcare leader who makes a meaningful difference.
What was one of your favorite classes within your degree track?
One of my favorite classes in my degree track was Policy and Politics with Dr. Brian Hensel. It wasn’t just interesting — it genuinely shifted how I think as a future healthcare leader. Dr. Hensel had a way of breaking down complex policy issues and showing how they directly shape the realities we face in hospitals every day.
That class helped me see that leadership isn’t just about managing operations — it’s also about understanding the political currents that influence funding, regulations, access and ultimately patient outcomes. It gave me the confidence to see myself not just as someone who works within the system, but someone who can help move the system.
Whether it’s advocating for frontline needs, helping shape organizational policy or contributing to broader conversations around healthcare reform, the class made me realize that meaningful change often starts with leaders who understand both the operational and political sides of healthcare. And honestly, Dr. Hensel made policy feel less like a textbook subject and more like real-world strategy — something I can carry with me into my residency and long-term career.
What activities have you been involved in along the way?
Throughout my time at Mizzou, I stayed deeply engaged in experiences that shaped me — professionally, personally and as a future leader. I immersed myself in my studies, exploring health systems, strategy, policy and law.
I gained practical administrative experience through internships at Memorial Hermann Katy and Memorial Hermann–TMC — and later landed an administrative intern role with Cleveland Clinic in Florida, which challenged me to think bigger about operational excellence, patient-centered care and leadership at scale.
I also joined the Mizzou rugby team. Playing rugby shaped me in unexpected ways: through teamwork, grit, resilience and the discipline required to stay focused under pressure. That experience taught me how to lean on others and stay grounded amidst challenges — qualities I know will serve me well in healthcare leadership.
Beyond school and work, I plugged into MO-ACHE. I started on the Student Committee as vice chair and was eventually elected chair — a role that allowed me to connect with other future healthcare leaders across Missouri, learn from experienced executives and begin building a professional network aligned with my long-term goals. Engaging with MO-ACHE reinforced my commitment to leadership, mentorship and continuous growth in health administration.
Who helped you during your college journey?
I’ve been fortunate to have many people support me throughout my college journey. My family provided unwavering encouragement and guidance every step of the way.
Mentors and professors at Mizzou, like Dr. Hensel in Policy and Politics, as well as Dr. Sue Boren, my program director, challenged me to think critically and inspired me to pursue leadership in healthcare.
I also owe a lot to the teams and colleagues I worked alongside during internships at Memorial Hermann Katy, Memorial Hermann–TMC and the Cleveland Clinic in Florida — their mentorship and real-world insights helped me bridge classroom knowledge with practical experience.
What memories stand out from your time at Mizzou?
Competing on the Mizzou rugby team is a highlight — the practices, tough matches and camaraderie with teammates produced a lot of great friends and memories.
Serving in MO-ACHE, first as vice chair and then as chair of the Student Committee, also created unforgettable moments. Organizing events, connecting with fellow future healthcare leaders and learning from experienced executives reinforced my passion for leadership and mentorship.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I’ll be starting my executive residency with HCA Healthcare. This opportunity will allow me to apply what I’ve learned at Mizzou in real-world healthcare operations and leadership, while continuing to grow under the mentorship of experienced executives.
What advice do you have for current and future students?
My advice for current and future students is to be intentional about both your learning and your experiences. Take full advantage of your coursework, but also shoot for the stars on opportunities outside the classroom — internships, professional organizations like MO-ACHE and even extracurricular activities like sports or clubs.
These experiences will challenge you in new ways and teach lessons you can’t get from a textbook. Don’t be afraid to take on leadership roles, make mistakes and ask questions. The people you meet along the way — mentors, peers and colleagues — can open doors and help guide your path.
Most importantly, remember that your growth isn’t just about building a résumé; it’s about shaping the kind of leader or person you want to be — someone who makes meaningful, positive impact on the people and systems you serve.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Studying at Mizzou has been a true full-circle moment for me. From the day I knew what football was, I’ve been one of the biggest supporters of Missouri Tigers football and proud of the state of Missouri as a whole, so getting the chance to learn, grow and lead here at the University of Missouri made my graduate experience even more meaningful.
Combined with the classes, internships, rugby and MO-ACHE leadership, my time at Mizzou has shaped me into the healthcare leader I’m becoming and prepared me for the next chapter of my journey.